Michigan Talent on the EYBL

Nike’s EYBL made its first-ever Indianapolis stop, during an NCAA live period no less. It was a terrific chance for some Michigan players to catch the spring zeitgeist.

Greg Eboigbodin  6-9  Jr  The Family (Detroit U-D Jesuit): It’s said rebounding is one trait most likely to translate from one level of basketball to the next, so little surprise this state champion is becoming a popular prospect. Energy outside his immediate area, effort for second chances and the wingspan to go get it has Eboigbodin making winning plays on the boards. His offense is still raw, and it’s more pronounced with all the big talent in this venue.

Greg Elliott  6-3  Jr  The Family (Detroit East English Village): He’s distinguished himself as the Family’s most consistent guard. He plays smart, alert ball on both ends of the court. Wingspan and instinct get Elliott rebounds and deflections.  Feeds the post and can thread it over 20 feet in the halfcourt.  Then he’s talented enough to go get his shot off himself when needed. Elliott’s unselfish play led a near huge second-half comeback which ultimately came up a point short against the Las Vegas Prospects. Came out of the weekend with an offer from Rice.

Jaron Faulds  6-10  Jr  Chicago Meanstreets (Holt): He was with the Family the first two weekends of the AAU season, but has moved. Meanstreets doesn’t have a center so Faulds will have his chance. He didn’t have an answer for CP3 center Wendell Carter, but few do. Looking to get the rebounding, running, elbow shooting mojo that Faulds showed last July, already on the 17U level.

Isaiah Livers  6-8  Jr  Chicago Meanstreets (Kalamazoo Central): It was Livers’ big AAU moment Friday night, up against CP3’s 6-10, 260 All-American Wendell Carter. With the head coaches from MSU, UM, Notre Dame, Purdue, Creighton, Xavier, USC, Georgia Tech, Texas, Illinois, DePaul, UCLA, EMU and WMU watching baseline, Livers delivered. He stepped out and knocked down three-pointers even with Carter contesting. Looked really confident when pulling up on the break to nail a 3. With his 45-pound advantage, Carter returned the favor on the blocks where Livers at least fought and fouled. Meanstreets won after leading the whole way. His athletic overall feel and college frame will allow Livers to fit in myriad college systems from the best leagues.

Xavier Tillman  6-9  Jr  Spiece Indy Heat (Grand Rapids Christian): This team has a bunch of forwards who like the long ball, like East Lansing’s own Brandon Johns, Indy local Jaren Jackson 6-10 with an MSU offer and 6-9 Jalen Butz. From the forest of stretch 4s comes Tillman, who has the base and strength to bang with all the big bodies in the EYBL. He dominated the Rens inside on Sunday morning scoring 32 points on 12-of-14 shooting. Looks like great fit for the likes of Purdue or Notre Dame, or a retro screener/blocker/grinder/IQ/playmaker of the MSU type.